Philosophy
for Community Development
The following outline covers the principles behind Xenos Christian
Fellowship's Four D's of Community Development. See also "Ministry
to the Social and Physical Need of Our Society."
God is concerned that his people help the poor:
- In his Old Testament Law (Deut. 15:1-15);
- In his character (Prov. 14:31);
- In Christ's example (Lk. 4:18; 15:13-14); and
- In New Testament commands (1 Jn. 3:16-17; Jms. 1:27; 2:1-4, 14-17;
5:4).
God is concerned that the church help the poor:
- We cannot rely on government to represent God's concern for the
poor (Jn 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:20).
The church should actively serve all the needs of the poor:
- Helping people physically and spiritually (1 Jn 3:15-17);
- Demonstrating love and proclaiming the Gospel;
- Creating receptivity to the Gospel through service;
- Focusing some of its resources and services on the poor;
- Teaching the poor self-sufficiency (2 Th. 3:10); and
- Helping the poor rise up out of their situation (Jms. 2:15-17).
The church should be concerned about the whole cycle of poverty:
- Family disintegration;
- Bad housing;
- Lack of educational opportunities; and
- Lack of job opportunities.
The church should develop relationships in the economically
disadvantaged community:
- Providing acceptance, warmth, friendship, and fellowship;
- Providing role models and mentors; and
- Encouraging those who become self-sufficient to stay involved in
their communities.
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